Background & Aims: Analogous to the use of tension tests or neurodynamic techniques in upper limbs, the validity of the tests for diagnosis and treatment methods assessment has received more attention. However, the reliability of the tension tests in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the median nerve tension test in healthy subjects and patients with CTS.

Materials & Methods: In order to determine the reliability of the median nerve tension test, we tested two protocols on two separate test days that included 23 healthy subjects and 12 subjects with CTS. Each protocol, with 48 hour interval, consisted of three consecutive median nerve tension tests, the average of elbow extension angle in which the stretch feeling or deep pain, and the signs and symptoms of CTS occurred in healthy and patient subjects, respectively, was used for analysis.

Results: Inter subject elbow extensions were not significantly different between the two test days. Also, the coefficient of correlation and SEM in healthy and CTS subjects were 0.89, 1.23 degrees and 0.84, 3.67 degrees, respectively.

Conclusion: From the above results, we conclude that the median nerve tension test is highly reliable and can be used in diagnosis as well as the management of CTS.

SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2012: 23(4): 458 ISSN: 1027-3727